Preventing Basement Leaks: Practical Steps for Homeowners

Preventing Basement Leaks: Practical Steps for Homeowners

When we think about our home, we imagine a warm, cozy place where we can feel safe and relaxed. However, sometimes things can go wrong, like water leaking into our basements. This is not only annoying but can also damage our homes and become quite costly to fix. But don't worry, there are steps that every homeowner can take to help prevent this from happening. Let’s talk about some practical ways to keep our basements dry and cozy.

Understanding Where Water Comes From

First, it’s important to know where the water might be coming from. Water can seep into our basements from rain, snow, or even from the ground around our homes. Sometimes, water finds little cracks in the walls or floors of our basements and decides to sneak in. That’s why keeping water flowing  away from our basements is a big part of preventing leaks.

Keeping Gutters and Downspouts Clean

One of the simplest things we can do is to make sure our gutters and downspouts are clean and working properly. Gutters are the channels that catch rainwater from our rooftops, and downspouts are the pipes that carry the water down and away from our homes. If these are blocked with leaves or other debris, water can spill over and soak the ground near our basements, which might lead to leaks. Cleaning them regularly is a good habit to start. Downspouts often blow off or we take them off to cut the grass. It also important to make sure the downspouts are attached and that the end of the spout is directing water away from your home.

Landscaping for Water Diversion

Have you ever thought about how the land around your home can affect water leaking into your basement? The ground should slope away from your house, so water runs off away from your home and doesn’t pool near your walls. Planting flowers and bushes, can help achieve this slope and by protecting the ground from water erosion and it makes your yard look nice! It is also important to make sure that any gardens you have around your home are not too high against your foundation (6 inches below bricks or siding). Do not fill in window wells with soil or flowers.

Inspecting and Sealing Cracks

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, cracks can appear in our basement walls or floor. It’s like when we get a scratch on our skin; we need to take care of it so it doesn’t get worse. The same goes for cracks in our basements. There are special sealants that can be used to fill these cracks and stop water from getting in. It’s like putting a band-aid on a scratch. We offer a 15 year warranty for basement crack injections.

Installing a Sump Pit and Pump

A sump pit and pump pump together collect and pump ground water away from your foundation. It  is a special tool that can be very helpful in keeping our basements dry. The pump has a float on it and will only work when there is ground water entering the pit. During dry spells the pump does not work.  Having a sump pump can be a great way to prevent basement leaks, especially if you live in an area with high ground water or live near lake, pond, creek or rivers which can breach their banks in the spring increasing the ground water level.

Checking and Maintaining Plumbing

Our homes have many pipes that carry water, and sometimes they can leak. Regularly checking water lines  under sinks, or those that supply water to toilets and  appliances are a great preventative step. Its also a good

 idea to monitor taps that you don't use often such as our outside water tap. When you turn it on in the spring keep an eye on it to make sure it does not leak. Think of it like detective work, where you’re looking for clues that water is escaping where it shouldn’t.

Keeping Our Basements Dry Together

Preventing water from leaking into our basements is important to keep our homes safe, cozy, and damage-free. By taking some practical steps like cleaning our gutters, landscaping wisely, sealing cracks, and possibly installing a sump pit and pump, we can greatly reduce the risk of leaks. And if things seem a bit tricky, there’s no harm in asking for help from a professional.

At Call The Plumbing Doctor Inc., we understand how crucial it is to keep your home dry and comfortable. Our team of friendly and knowledgeable experts is here to help you with all your plumbing and waterproofing needs. Whether it's inspecting for potential leaks, installing a sump pump, or giving your basement a thorough waterproofing treatment, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t wait for the rain to start worrying about leaks. Give us a call at 1-800-814-7014 or visit our website to schedule a checkup for your basement today. Together, we can make sure your basement stays dry and cozy all year round! We offer free quotes, a 15 year transferable warranty on Crack repairs and a 20 year transferable warranty on exterior waterproofing.